Chapter 1: Complete Stranger
1492 Words
As I repeat the moment I had an eye contact with Trisko and feeling the sense of vulnerability. I'm used to knowing the intentions, thoughts, and whole lives of everyone I connect to. I felt fear and confusion on why I'm unable to read this random guy. What makes him special? I was startled by the someone who opened their cubicle here in the washroom. I went out too and washed my hands but all I can think of is Trisko, the complete stranger.
"Darling, are you alright?"
I glanced at the lady and she's concerned and assuming someone died thats why I'm acting weird.
"Yes, sorry. I think I just need to have some sleep soon. Being in a hospital can get stressful."
She's here for her regular check up. Her name is Susan and she's doing faboulous for her age.
"Oh darling, have a nap. Take care of yourself."
"You too mam, thank you."
I walked out of the washroom as I check my phone. I have a message from Mia asking where am I.
"Hi?" a shy man voice spoke infront of me and as I look up theres Traisko.
"Hey?" i cant hide the fact that I'm somewhat still freaking out that I can't read him.
We started at each others eye balls for like three seconds before we both snap out of it.
"Well, waiting outside a ladies washroom is not my brightest idea but hi I'm Trai." he reached for a handshake.
"Oh formal okay, love that. I'm Vera, hmm just V. You're Mrs. Saxon's son right?" I nerveously said but me trying hard to act funny and normal is killing me inside.
"Nice to meet you V. Yes, pushed her to go home, have a shower, a meal... she's just really worried about the surgery so..."
We awkwardly continue walk back to the waiting room.
"Yeah, I pray for the success of your baby sister's surgery. We all need faith."
He nod a little and smile.
"Do you want to go with me to the right wing? They have better vending machines there."
"Uh sure, i can actually use a diet coke to have some caffeine going. I'm not a fan of coffee so i only took a few espresso shots and its not hitting me yet!"
He laughed. Wow, why do I feel like i won for making him laugh? This is so weird. I'm so used to reading everyone I interact with so its easy making them laugh. With this random guy, I have no idea whats funny or offensive to him! Is he an alien? Okay, I'm loosing it. I have to focus because I have no idea if he's thinking about murdering me or tying me up to bed or some crazy sht. I'm in the real darkness here!
"And theres the target." he started fishing his pocket for coins and bills while im busy looking to my tiny purse wallet. I heard a can of pop fell down from the machine after he managed to drop coins in the machine.
"Here you go V."
"Hey, not fair!" he handed me a diet coke.
"Now tell me what you want." I demanded.
He got himself a dr. pepper and a bag of chips.
"Don't tell me thats your dinner?" I looked at him with horror.
"Yeah, i'm so exhausted. After work I sprinted here because mom has been here since four in the morning. My life's been crazy these last few weeks."
"You're doing great Trai, youre mom is very grateful of you."
He just smiled but theres sadness in his eyes. It kills me that I cant read what hes thinking. If he's annoyed for having all these responsibilities or hes just worried overall. We started heading back to the waiting room when my phone started ringing.
"Mia? Is everything okay?"
"V? Where are you? Are you home?"
"No no, I'm just here getting snacks at the vending machine."
"Oh god im so sorry. I'm picking up Kino's sister. So I'll back in about an hour, sorry i couldve drove you home."
"Its alright Mia. Drive safe, I'll stay here."
Trai looked worried at me.
"Oh, im stuck here. My friend left me."
He nerveously laughed.
"You mind me asking why youre here at the waiting area?"
"Well, my housemate's bestfriend got into a major car accident."
"Was it bad?"
"It is, unfortunately. Kino's parents are that couple in the corner there beside the desk."
"I'm sorry to hear that. I hope the surgery turn out great."
"Yes, lets hope your baby sister also have a great one."
We turn silent and both stared at vacant spaces.
"You must be tired. Youre mom said you worked all night." I said.
"It was exhausting. Thank god exam weeks are over too at least i can literally just sleep on my classes."
We talked more about our lives. Its like having a day with someone wearing their sunglasses. I'm clueless if he thinks im annoying or great or horrible. I feel blind and lost talking to Traisko but in a good way. It feels like im not cheating like most of my life. My abilities are definitely amazing but I admit crossing lines to take advantage of not getting myself screwed over.
As soon as I read someone's mind and saw malicious or bad intentions, I immediately shut them down and not give them a chance to know me and grow as a genuine person in my social circle. The fact that I cant protect myself towards Traisko's intentions is scaring me, however it also gives me interest. Why? Well, people who cant read minds in this world view every other person like what I'm experiencing with Traisko. Blind. Clueless.
"Do you have to work later? It's literally 1am Trai."
"Yeah, i have work at 8am. My mom will be back at 4 or 5am. The surgery will be done by 6am if im not mistaken so i need to be here for my parents when the doctors talk to them. My dad should be driving home by now so he can rest a few hours before coming here. God, im sorry Vera. I didnt mean to say all of that. Its just a lot going on."
My jaw dropped. He was calm, laughing and cheerful but this is whats going on in his head.
"Thats alright Trai, its a lot and youre doing great. The whole situation is complicated as it is. Why dont you dose off? You need to rest. I'll wake you up in case theres something going on in your baby sister's surgery."
"You should be sleeping too Vera. Your exams-"
"You had exams done too so sleep please. Sleep on my shoulder." i wiggled my right shoulder to him.
He laughed like saying "are you serious?"
"I'm not kidding. I have like a whole lot of youtube vlogs to watch so im not going anywhere."
We stared at each others eyes and I cant read a single thing from his head. However, I felt comfort staring at his eyes and his amusement of me. It weirdly makes me happy and excited to be around him.
"But we just met Vera, why would you lend your shoulder to a stranger."
"Fair point, but why would i not if its someone who I find interesting and genuinely see as a good person?"
She smiled and shook his head.
"But I'm good." he responed.
"Do i really need to pull your head to my shoulder?" I threaten him.
He just kept smiling and i think he thinks im being ridicolius and he thinks hes going to cross the line but wait, i dont know what hes thinking for sure! These are all just guesses. My mind is in chaos of assuming things and thinking of what he is most likely have in mind. Is this what everyone feels when they meet new people?
"Youre one persistent lady."
I slowly aim to touch his face that doesnt face me.
"Okay I'm using your shoulder!" he whispered to me in panic.
I almost bursted laughing by his town and genuine panic.
"Now just close your eyes okay? Dont think im here."
I can smell his scent and damn i might not recover emotionally after this night. My heart start beating really fast as he reposition his head and filled the gap between my shoulder and jaw t my chin.
"I'm glad i met you today." he whispered.
And thats what triggered me, I like this guy.
"I'm glad i met you too."
A few minutes of silents and I felt like his weight in my shoulders starts to relax meaning he really is falling asleep. I watch youtube to try to distract myself to the reality that I met a person who I can't read even I want to read him so bad.
From: Mia
Who is that guy in your shoulder?!?!
- Writer
